A Dhaka court has ordered the start of trial proceedings against former Industries Minister and Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed and two others in a corruption case involving the alleged embezzlement of Tk 1.25 crore through abuse of power. The order was issued on Thursday by Dhaka Divisional Special Judge Begum Shamima Afroz, who also set June 22 for the recording of witness testimonies.

Earlier, Tofail Ahmed’s lawyer informed the court that his client was seriously ill, suffering from memory loss and unable to participate in the proceedings. Despite this, the Anti-Corruption Commission’s lawyer argued for the formation of charges, which the court accepted. The case had been delayed due to a previous stay order from the High Court, which has now been lifted.

The case was originally filed in 2002 by then-Bureau of Anti-Corruption inspector Kazi Shamsul Islam, alleging that Tofail Ahmed misused his authority to conceal illegally obtained funds by transferring and withdrawing money through associates.